Today is the first day of American Heart Month. Lexington Medical Center is committed to teaching our community how to Just Say Know to heart disease through continuing education about the #1 killer of men and women.

Did you know that poorly managed stress can hurt your heart? During stressful times, our bodies release stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prepare our bodies to rev up to meet upcoming challenges. But these challenges are supposed to be short-term. When they last month after month, stress hormones can damage the body.

The longer stress hormones circulate in the body, especially when high blood pressure is present, the more inflammation and damage can occur in the walls of the arteries. This damage can create cracks where plaques can form, leading to blockages in the arteries. Increased inflammation can trigger the blockages to rupture, causing heart attacks. Stress can also cause the arteries to constrict, restricting blood flow and increasing blood pressure.

While we may not always be able to change the situation that’s causing our stress, we do have a choice in how we respond. One of the most powerful ways to combat stress is by coloring. visit LexMed.com/Know and download a free “Color Me Stress Free” color sheet. Finish your picture, take a photo and post it with the hashtag #LMCJustSayKnow. Take a look at the video below for a preview.

Meanwhile, walking is another one of nature’s best tranquilizers. Whether it’s a five-minute walk during a break at work or an hour-long walk in a park on the weekend, walking will definitely help. In fact, any exercise will help you better deal with stress.

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This blog is intended for general understanding and education about Lexington Medical Center. Nothing on the blog should be considered or used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Blog visitors with personal health or medical questions should consult their health care provider.